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The Razor's Edge

W. Somerset Maugham,

Anthony Curtis (Introduction)

Start date: January 1, 2022

Finish date: January 31, 2022

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Why we're reading this: January 2022 New School Classic Group Read
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What Members Thought

Jun 09, 2014 Franky rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, classics, romance, the-easy-challenge, literary-fiction

This book started off pretty well; I was jazzed during the first part as the narrator sets the reader up for a profound experience. However, as I moved through it became evident that this wasn’t quite the exceptional novel I thought it might be. By the latter portions of the book, it had become more of a lackluster experience to read The Razor’s Edge than an enlightening one. Somewhere during the course of the novel, the experience goes from post-war philosophy to The Days of Our Lives in Paris, This book started off pretty well; I was jazzed during the first part as the narrator sets the reader up for a profound experience. However, as I moved through it became evident that this wasn’t quite the exceptional novel I thought it might be. By the latter portions of the book, it had become more of a lackluster experience to read The Razor’s Edge than an enlightening one. Somewhere during the course of the novel, the experience goes from post-war philosophy to The Days of Our Lives in Paris, and this unexpected course is where this experience went sour.

I think one part of the problem is the author’s “technique” of injecting himself in the plot as the narrator. Rather than focusing on the main crux and point of the novel, Larry’s search for truth and self-identity, the plot revolves around various character’s reaction to the narrator. Therefore, the focus of the novel is very meandering and wandering, and it gives as much focus to Larry as it does to other, lesser, characters. There are points at which the narrator seems on the verge of revealing profound moments of Larry’s experiences, but then these are contrasted with disengaging episodes with ultra snob Elliot Templeton and his high society, Isabel’s materialism and possessiveness, or full-page depictions of what someone was wearing at dinner. Oftentimes, there just isn’t a focus, and it is difficult to pinpoint what the narrator really even cares about. I also found it a little odd how each character was willing to pour out their souls to the narrator on a whim.

Maugham doesn’t do any favors to female characters, which is disappointing, as he makes them materialistic, obsessive, promiscuous, vindictive, or snobbish (or, in Isabel’s case, four out of five). You can’t help but really despise Isabel, especially when Sophie comes into the novel later on.

Although most of the conflicts and resolutions come in the second half, by then the book seemed to have become a giant soap opera. This book sets you up for one thing, only to totally become something else.
Despite my complaining, I did find The Razor’s Edge profound and engaging at points. There are some aspects of the novel very reminiscent of The Lost Generation, with characters having to find themselves and happiness amid a sense of post-war disillusionment. Some characters struggle with finding a perfect marriage or partner, others struggle with finding oneself, and others struggle with drinking. There is a sense that the narrator wants to depict each character’s plight and reveal how they struggle. A particularly engaging moment is when the narrator meets with Larry and he describes his adventures of working in the mines and then on a farm with a comrade. I think these experiences reveal a larger aspect of finding a greater purpose. Unfortunately, as a whole, these points of self-discovery are not fully explored.

There is a 1946 film based on this book, starring Gene Tierney (as Isabel) and Tyrone Powers (as Larry). I actually thought the film more enjoyable than the book.

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Jul 24, 2012 Kallie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This was an important book for me. I was about 16 y.o. when I read Larry's story. He was a great role model, a compassionate young person who chose character and substance and spirituality (as opposed to religion) over appearance. Some of Maugham's stories are a bit preachy, to me. But this one got me thinking about how to be a better person without making me feel ashamed of my weaknesses. The Razor's Edge really stuck with me and is for me an example of how literature can make a good difference ...more

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Jan 04, 2014 Lesley Looper rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014

This is one of those books I've been wanting to read for a while. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I really liked it. The themes of class, wealth, and spiritual journey interwoven were fascinating. ...more

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